Session 1.1f - TeachMeAnatomy - Bones of the Thorax - Thoracic Spine Flashcards
The thoracic spine is the ______ segment of the vertebral column
Second
The thoracic spine is located between which vertebral segments?
The cervical and lumbar
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
What are the thoracic vertebrae separated by?
Intervertebral discs
The thoracic spine forms part of the thoracic cage along with what?
The sternum and ribs
The sternum, ribs, and the thoracic spine forms ___
The thoracic cage.
The thoracic cage is a ____ structure made up on ____
bony; sternum, ribs and thoracic spine.
What is the function of the thoracic cage?
To protect the internal viscera
Name some organs the thoracic cage protects.
Heart
Lungs
Oesophagus
What are the four features that distinguish thoracic vertebrae from other vertebrae?
- HEART-SHAPED body
- DEMI-FACETS either side of the vertebral body
- COSTAL FACETS on the transverse processes
- SPINOUS PROCESSES which are long and slant inferiorly
Describe the vertebral body of the thoracic vertebra.
It is heart-shaped
Where are the demi-facets of thoracic vertebra found?
On the sides of each vertebral body
What do the demi-facets of thoracic vertebra articulate with?
Heads of the ribs
Where are the costal facets of thoracic vertebra found?
On the transverse processes of T1-T10
What do the costal facets of thoracic vertebra articulate with?
Tubercles of the ribs
Which vertebra are the costal facets found on?
T1-T10
Describe the spinous processes of thoracic vertebra.
They are long and slant inferiorly.
Relate the structure to function of the spinous processes of thoracic vertebra.
The spinous processes are long and slant inferiorly. This offers increases protection to the spinal cord, preventing an object such as a knife entering the spinal canal.
Where are the superior and inferior costal facets of thoracic vertebra located?
On the sides of each vertebral body
What do the superior and inferior costal facets of thoracic vertebra consist of?
CARTILAGE lined depressions
What do the superior and inferior costal facets of thoracic vertebra articulate with?
The heads of the ribs
What does the superior costal facet of thoracic vertebra articulate with?
The head of the adjacent rib
What does the inferior costal facet of thoracic vertebra articulate with?
The head of the rib below
In the majority of thoracic vertebra, the superior and inferior costal facets are ___
DEMI-FACETS.
In which thoracic vertebra are the superior and inferior costal facets presented as demi-facets?
T2-T9
Instead of demi-facets, some atypical thoracic vertebra possess ___
whole facets
A vertebra that doesn’t follow the same pattern as the others is known as?
Atypical vertebrae
What is different about the atypical thoracic vertebrae?
They display variation in the size, location and number of their superior and inferior costal facets.
Describe what is atypical about T1.
Superior facet is not a demifacet
Explain why T1 does not have a superior demifacet.
Its superior facet is not a demifacet, as this is the only vertebrae to articulate with the 1st rib.
Describe what is atypical about T10.
A single pair of whole facets is present.
What do the facet(s) of T10 articulate with
The whole facet on either side articulate with the 10th rib.
Where is the facet(s) found on T10?
The single pair of whole facets are located across both the vertebral body and the pedicle.
Describe what is atypical about T11 and T12.
Each have a single pair of entire costal facets
Where are the facets of T11 and T12 located.
Each has a single pair of whole facets, which are located on the pedicles.
What are the groups that the joints of the thoracic spine can be divided into?
Two groups:
Those that are present throughout the vertebral column
Those unique to the thoracic spine
What are the types of joints that are present throughout the vertebral column>
Two types:
- BETWEEN VERTEBRAL BODIES
- BETWEEN VERTEBRAL ARCHES
Describe the joints between vertebral bodies.
Adjacent vertebral bodies are joined by intervertebral discs.
What are intervertebral discs made of?
Fibrocartilage
What type of joint is the intervertebral joint?
A type of cartilaginous joint.
What is a fibrocartilaginous fusion between two bones called?
A symphysis.